Monday, November 28, 2011

Salvation

From birthday celebrations to Halloween to Thanksgiving, we've had a lot going on around here and as always so much to be thankful for. Can I get away with recapping the past 2 months with pictures and no words? Let's see.....

Quick catch up:

*Maija and Sidhe got into the high school they had their hearts set on. Maija will major in Dance and Sidhe will major in Visual Arts. Nothing is final yet, as we're still waiting on letters from a few other choices, but I have a really good feeling about this.

*Finn is swiftly approaching his 16th birthday. I am in complete denial.

*Ruari is right in that grey zone between childhood and full blown adolescence, fluttering back and forth between sweet smiles and moody eye rolls. She took the time to help set up the Christmas village the other day, carefully positioning the houses and stores and all the little villagers in very specific locations. I made sure to enjoy it, to treasure it really, because I know that next year she might not be so eager. Sidhe and Maija have already taught me that things will change very quickly from here on out.

*Nuala is really exploring letters and writing. She has remarkable penmanship. She is also quite keen on sign language and shows me all sorts of signs that she learns at school or asks me to teach her new ones. Thank goodness for Google!

*Oscar told me the other night, "Mom, I love you 81.....PLUS forever". A few weeks ago while we were driving in the car he asked me if zero was a number. I actually tear up a little when I think about them going to school full time next year. I'm not joking, there are tears.

*Saoirse. My persnickity little stubborn bunny. Wow. She has entered a full blown Princess stage (despite us not watching many of those Disney movies) that for some odd reason is being enthusiastically encouraged by yours truly. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a Princess apparently. Who knew? She's not a baby anymore, not by a longshot, but it's okay. She is totally delightful as she is right this second. Oh she is a funny one.

*Me. Finally decided to deal with the depression that I've been struggling with for the last year. I'd like to say that it's over, that I won, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way, so instead I will just say that I am working on it. I am working on forgiving myself, I am working on loving myself, I am working on enjoying my life and living in the moment one day at a time. I am working on healing myself. Fortunately I have the most wonderful and amazing support system around. This family has helped to hold me up and has been an extraordinary lifeline and I can't tell you how much my heart swells with love and gratitude just thinking about how lucky I am to have all of these people in my life.

*Brendan. I have no words. He is perhaps the most loving, patient, generous creature I have ever encountered. They don't make many like him and I still have no idea what I could have ever done to wind up right where I am. Probably best not to ask many questions. Probably better to just go with it. I love this man and I am still learning new things about what our love is capable of.

Today is Ruari's birthday and so we have a cake to bake and some gifts to wrap. She really is quite an amazing young lady and I can't wait to celebrate with her when she gets home from school.

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The Gist Of It

One of the most amazing aspects of blending a family, is being able to look back and see just how far you have all grown together. Our unique family of 11 has been a lovely work in progress for the past ten years. Sometimes it is a piece of cake. Other times I need to eat a piece of cake just to make it through. Either way, it is always sweet! We are so proud of all that we have been able to accomplish together in such a seemingly short period of time. Brendan has 3 children from his first marriage and I have 2. When we decided to try for “just one more” we got the most amazing surprise……TWINS!
Finn~17, Sidhe~16, Maija~15, Ruari~14, Micah~10 the twins, Nuala and Oscar~6, June8ug Saoirse~4 and baby Oisín was born September 2012 and is already 1! Not to mention that we are due with number 10 this coming spring.
Each and every day is the adventure of a life time, as we tackle the ups and downs of trying to raise these amazingly special individuals. We are so lucky to be a part of this extraordinary and dynamic family.